If you like simple cocktails, then you’ll love the vodka tonic, which you make with just three ingredients plus a garnish:
- 2 ounces of Absolut Vodka (or another brand you prefer)
- 6 ounces of tonic water
- Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
- Lemon or lime wedge to garnish (optional)
To make a vodka tonic, just add the vodka with tonic water, squeeze some citrus juice, and garnish with the lime wedge. Serve it in a highball glass with ice cubes, and enjoy it on a hot summer day!
Vodka Tonic Calories and Nutrition
The vodka tonic is low-calorie, though it can “cost” a lot more from a diet perspective if you play around with different ingredients.
Here’s the nutritional information for a classic vodka tonic recipe:
- 200 calories per serving (8 ounces)
- 48g carbs
- 35% alcohol content, equal to one light beer
What to Serve With Vodka Tonic
The vodka tonic is a classic recipe you can serve for any occasion. It’s a refreshing drink that pairs well with food, but you can also enjoy it during happy hour or a house party.
The taste of the cocktail depends on the quality of the vodka you choose, as well as the tonic. Absolut Vodka is a bartender favorite for mixing cocktails, but feel free to add any other brand you like better.
Food Pairing
The Vodka Tonic matches well with any type of good. Unlike a gin and tonic, the vodka variant lacks floral notes. Your taste buds will only focus on the bitterness of the tonic and the tart lemon or lime flavors.
Serve a vodka tonic next to finger food, fast food, or seafood for the best pairing.
Vodka Tonic Variants and Ingredients Replacement Ideas
The classic vodka tonic has an almost non-existent prep time and requires no special bartending tools to mix.
But if you want to go beyond the classic, check out a few tips that can bring new dimensions to your cocktails:
Variants
- Fruity vodka tonic: You can add syrups to give the cocktail a sweet note or opt for a tonic infused with a flavor like cherry or oranges. These combinations are still refreshing but can cut down the bitter profile of the traditional vodka tonic.
- Flavored vodkas: If you want more subtle notes, then instead of syrups and juice, go for flavored vodkas, which will provide slight hints of flavor that don’t overpower the classic taste of tonic water.
- Creative garnish: A lime wedge or slice is the go-to garnish for this cocktail, but you can also add frozen fruits or flavored ice cubes for more variety.
Ingredient Replacements
- Fruit juice: If you don’t think tonics have the best flavor, then switch it for a sweet fruit juice like orange or cherry. You can keep the lemon juice to add sour notes or go straight for the lemon wedge garnish.
- Rum: If you’ve never tried to pair rum and tonic water, you should give it a shot tonight. It’s bubbly and refreshing, and it offers a floral finish. Serve it in a highball glass with ice, and enjoy.
Vodka Tonic
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Absolut Vodka or another brand you prefer
- 6 ounces tonic water
- Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
- Lemon or lime wedge to garnish optional
Instructions
- Add the vodka with tonic water, squeeze some citrus juice, and garnish with the lime wedge. Serve it in a highball glass with ice cubes, and enjoy it on a hot summer day!
